According to The Mirror, Arsenal are ready to battle Everton for the signature of Genk midfielder Sander Berge – but he could cost up to £18million.

Berge, 19, impressed in his native Norway with Valerenga, earning himself a move to Belgium with Genk during the January transfer window, where his stock has continued to grow.

KRC Genk's Sander Berge looks dejected

Standing at a giant 6ft 3in tall, Berge is a powerful defensive midfielder who played 27 times for Genk this past season, and he continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League.

The Mirror reported back in August 2016 that Everton had failed with a £2million bid for Berge, but it seems that the Toffees' pursuit of the midfielder hasn't ended just yet – despite signing Morgan Schneiderlin and Davy Klaassen since their bid for Berge was rejected.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Now, The Mirror claim that Arsenal have joined Everton in the race to sign Berge, but the price tag is alleged to have rocketed up to a huge £18million as Genk look to keep the man who replaced Leicester's Wilfried Ndidi earlier this year.

The Gunners are expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer having handed manager Arsene Wenger a new two-year contract, with midfield reinforcements potentially on his wish list.

General view inside Goodison Park

Granit Xhaka didn't quite live up to expectations in his first season with Arsenal, but Berge would give Wenger another young talent to work with whilst bringing power to his midfield options.

Everton's moves for Schneiderlin and Klaassen in 2017 may mean that they have other priorities than to add to their midfield again, which could be a boost for Arsenal – but with Monaco and Sevilla also keen, a huge race for the teenager's signature could be imminent.

Olly Dawes

Olly is a Sports Management graduate and aspiring journalist, with most of his work surrounding football or NFL. He has formed two of his own sites, as well as contributing to a number of others before starting with Here Is The City.